Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 20, 2014 /3BL Media/ - The Peace Corps-Philippines and Children International have partnered to create a comprehensive youth leadership training manual. The manual, called Youth Leadership Training through Project Design and Management, provides trained facilitators and educators with a youth-friendly resource to enhance the skills of young leaders.

Youth who participate in the youth leadership training program that is based on the new curriculum will first learn about themselves and their roles in both their families and their communities. They will gain decision-making skills and learn what makes a good leader. Once the youth have a basic knowledge of leadership skills, the manual will introduce the concept of project design and management to them and give them the opportunity to identify, plan, implement and evaluate a community project of their own.

Starting this year, the new manual will be used by Youth Program Coordinators and peer educators at 16 Children International agencies. The Peace Corps will also use the new manual to train 272 Peace Corps volunteers and their counterparts, so they can return to their communities and use the manual to train others.

Project design and management training material is often criticized as not being youth-friendly. The goal of the new youth leadership training manual is to relate more to youth by including a variety of activities that are fun, energetic and relevant to them. The new curriculum combines concepts from the Youth Leadership Training manual used by Children International since 2009 and the Project Design and Management training manual used throughout the world in most Peace Corps development programs.

Chris Economon, a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer and one of the designers of the manual, says, “Youth Leadership Training through Project Design and Management is a great tool to help empower the next generation of leaders. It is exciting that the knowledge in the new manual will be shared by Children International and the Peace Corps through their work around the world.”

Jack McCanna, Children International's Vice President of Program Services, explains, "Youth participation and leadership are key elements in Children International's programs, and this manual created in conjunction with the Peace Corps will enable more youth to benefit from programs that will help prepare them for a brighter future."

About Children International

Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience, and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.